You just witnessed a piece of cricket history. Seriously. On Day 4 of the second Test in Delhi, West Indies batsmen John Campbell and Shai Hope pulled off something that hasn’t happened on Indian soil in 24 long years. They both smashed centuries after India enforced the follow-on, staging a comeback that left everyone speechless.
Key Takeaways
- West Indies’ John Campbell and Shai Hope both scored centuries while following on against India in Delhi.
- This is the first time in 24 years a pair has scored twin centuries while following on in India, echoing Dravid and Laxman’s 2001 feat.
- John Campbell scored his maiden Test century, a brilliant 115 runs.
- Shai Hope ended a four-year century drought, scoring 103 and breaking a 58-innings dry spell.
- Their 177-run partnership helped West Indies set India a target of 121 runs, avoiding an innings defeat.
A Fightback Nobody Saw Coming
Look, things seemed grim for the West Indies. India posted a massive 518 for 5 and then bundled them out for just 248. India’s decision to enforce the follow-on felt like the final nail in the coffin. But Campbell and Hope had other ideas.
Instead of crumbling, they dug in. The pair put together a massive 177-run stand for the third wicket. It wasn’t just about survival; they played with intent and skill, completely turning the pressure back on the Indian bowlers. They took the West Indies to a second-innings total of 390, setting India a tricky target of 121.
Echoes of Dravid and Laxman’s 2001 Miracle
Why is this such a big deal? Because the last time two batsmen scored centuries for a team following on in India was way back in 2001. Those batsmen were none other than Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, whose legendary partnership is part of cricket folklore.
Get the Latest Updates
Be part of our sports community for daily news, expert analysis, and insider info.
For Campbell and Hope to replicate that kind of resilience is incredible. It’s a testament to their grit and puts them in a very exclusive club. This match on October 13, 2025, will be remembered for a long, long time.
Personal Milestones and Broken Records
Expert Analysis
This wasn’t just a team effort; it was a day of huge personal victories. For John Campbell, his 115 off 199 balls was his first-ever Test century. What a time to get it. And then there’s Shai Hope. His 103 from 214 balls ended a frustrating four-year wait for a Test hundred. In fact, it had been eight years since his last one, and the gap of 58 innings between centuries is the longest for any West Indies batter. Talk about breaking the shackles.
Social Media Storm
As you can imagine, social media absolutely exploded. Fans were drawing direct comparisons to the 2001 epic, praising the duo’s fighting spirit. Hashtags about the match trended for hours as cricket lovers from around the world celebrated a classic day of Test cricket where the underdog fought back with incredible heart.
Was the Follow-On a Mistake?
Some are now questioning India’s decision. The assistant coach said the call to enforce the follow-on was based on the expectation that the pitch would get worse. But Campbell and Hope proved that with enough determination, you can defy the conditions.
So, what do you think? Was it a tactical error by India, or just an unbelievable display of batting from the West Indies? One thing’s for sure: it made for some unforgettable cricket.



